What Types Of Ankle Braces Exist?
We are all susceptible to ankle injuries, from slipping off the pavement on the way to the shops to being caught by a bad challenge on the football pitch. Ankle braces are a common feature among sports men and woman during recovery and beyond to help protect and prevent reoccurences of an injury in the future.
With the technology of sports braces having improved drammatically in recent years, ankle braces are becoming more main stream and awareness of the technology behind them becoming more widely known. With so many sports clubs throughout the UK, there is always a need for sports braces to keep members fit and in action.
There are still many questions posed however about the different types of products available and how they differ, from the tubular bandages found in supermarkets to the premum sports options worn by professionals. As with any product, you only get what you pay for, but premium ankle braces are designed to help manage specific conditions across the body rather than being a generic all over body device.
How do ankle braces work?
They are designed to manage specific conditions and injuries, everything from simple strains to ligament damage to post surgical rehabilitation. The main focus is protection, whether offering compression to manage inflammation and pain or providing structural support for continued mobility.
As well as considering the specific conditions they are designed to manage, the material used to manufacture them can dicate how they work. A tubular bandage for instance is very stretchy and does not offer any real level of compression nor support. Neoprene is one of the more popular types of materials used and offer a greater level of compression and protection of the ankle joint. BioSkin are classed as premium sports apparel, with their bespoke material offering a higher level of compression than neoprene. Compression is key in being able to manage ankle injuries, with many braces offering support without limiting the movement of the ankle. Maintaining movement is key for the patient in being able to continue with their chosen sport or daily routine.
What are the benefits of wearing ankle braces?
Following any ankle injury the key objective is getting back onto your feet as fast as possible. The use of ankle braces can help to speed up recovery time when used in conjunction with other rehabilitation methods, such as physiotherapy. The technology behind them allows the patient to stay mobile longer, with the brace itself offering compression to the affected area which can reduce pain and inflammation and allow them to stay mobile for longer.
Where a patient is unsteady on their ankle following an injury, with a fear of it rolling and making the initial injury worse, ankle braces work to create support without limiting control and motion of the ankle joint. They are designed to be comfortable and discreet, so you can stay on your feet with increased confidence when wearing your ankle braces.
Which ankle braces are best suited for me?
Below are some of the more common form of ankle braces available along with details of the speific conditions they are designed to manage.
The BioSkin TriLok is supplied complete with the patented FootLok strap, acting as an external ligament which controls the motion of the forefoot. It also ensures that the range of the plantar and dorsi-flexion are not limited.
For ankle braces designed for minor sprains and strains the BioSkin Standard Ankle Skin is perfect for ankles struggling with minor instability. It works to reduce swelling as well as offering additional support for the joint. As with most ankle braces it offers the wearer a level of compression on the most painful area's, whilst still allowing them to stay mobile.
For ankle braces designed to manage more serious injuries, products such as the Rebound Air Walker exist, with a completely rigid shell designed to offer maximum protection to the affected area, both post injury or post surgery.
About the Author
Dave Regis discusses the use of orthotics for the management of sports injuries http://www.ossurwebshop.co.uk/ reviewing injury rehabilitation through exercise and the use of bracing and supports. He frequently blogs and writes articles covering areas of interest, focussing on the use of ankle braces http://www.ossurwebshop.co.uk/categories/braces-%26-supports/foot-%26-ankle-support/?sort=featured&page=1 and other methods of rehabilitation.
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